Compare Mechboards Discipline V1 vs sam Sesame Kit Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for builders deciding between two affordable, through-hole DIY keyboard kits. The choice is difficult because both offer a hands-on soldering experience with QMK compatibility, but diverge completely on layout philosophy and included components. Your preference for a compact standard form versus a split ergonomic design is the primary deciding factor.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 65% layout Offers Normal ergonomics Connects via USB-C Supports QMK firmware Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Acrylic case	Offers Alice ergonomics Made with a Acrylic, Plastic case
Score	Scores Performance: 44.1 Build Quality: 57.1 Productivity: 48.7 Customizability: 52.6 Portability: 62.1	Scores Performance: 42.1 Build Quality: 52.5 Productivity: 44.5 Customizability: 49 Portability: 40.8
Name	Name Mechboards Discipline V1	Name sam Sesame Kit
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size Unknown
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Alice
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Acrylic	Case Material Acrylic, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Mechboards Discipline V1 if you want a traditional, compact 65% keyboard project with QMK support. Opt for the sam Sesame Kit if your priority is an affordable entry into ergonomic Alice-style keyboards, and you value the included FR4 plates. Your comfort with the layout is more important than minor spec differences.

Mechboards Discipline V1

+Standard 65% layout with dedicated arrow keys for familiar usability.
+Explicitly stated QMK compatibility for deep firmware customization.
+Includes a USB Type-C connector.
+Comes with an acrylic cover and all necessary through-hole components.

−Vendor description explicitly states it does not come with a switch plate or foam.
−Wired-only connectivity limits placement options.
−Requires soldering of all components, including the microcontroller.

sam Sesame Kit

+Ergonomic Alice layout designed for more comfortable typing posture.
+Lower cost compared to the Discipline V1.
+Kit includes both an FR4 switch plate and an FR4 bottom plate.
+Includes brass standoffs and screws for assembly.

−Alice layout requires adaptation and may not suit all users.
−Wired-only connectivity.
−Requires full soldering of through-hole components.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The layout is the defining factor across use cases. The standard 65% Discipline V1 wins for gaming, programming, and travel due to its familiar compact form. The ergonomic Sesame Kit is the choice for office work and content creation where typing comfort is paramount. For modding, both offer a comparable through-hole DIY experience, though their included components differ.

GamingMechboards Discipline V1

•The standard 65% layout is more familiar for gaming keybinds.
•Its normal stagger may be preferable for traditional WASD positioning.
•The Alice layout of the Sesame can require adaptation for gaming.

Officesam Sesame Kit

•The Sesame's Alice ergonomic layout is designed for more comfortable typing over long periods.
•It includes a full FR4 switch plate and bottom plate, which may provide a more solid typing feel.
•The split design can promote a more natural wrist posture.

ProgrammingMechboards Discipline V1

•The Discipline V1's 65% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, which are frequently used in coding.
•Its standard key arrangement may require less mental remapping for common shortcuts.
•QMK support allows for deep layer customization for programming workflows.

TravelMechboards Discipline V1

•The Discipline V1's 65% form factor is generally more compact than an Alice layout.
•A standard rectangular shape is easier to fit in a bag or case.
•Both are wired-only, eliminating battery concerns.

ModdingTie

•Both are through-hole DIY kits requiring full soldering of all components.
•Both support QMK for extensive firmware customization.
•The Sesame includes FR4 plates, while the Discipline V1's vendor description notes it does not include a switch plate or foam.

Content Creationsam Sesame Kit

•The ergonomic Alice layout of the Sesame can reduce strain during long editing sessions.
•A comfortable typing experience is prioritized for writing and production work.
•The included FR4 plates may contribute to a more consistent typing feel.